Oxford:  Fuel3D secures €1.7 million from the EU

Fuel3D, a leading 3D capture and imaging innovator whose unique 3D scanning technology was originally developed at Oxford University, has been awarded funding of €1.7 million (£1.2m) from the EU’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme.

The funding is specifically to support Fuel3D’s development of a 3D scanning system which will allow full-face capture from a single scan to provide data to support the provision of customised eyewear.

 Poor-fitting glasses cause discomfort and misalignment of the lenses with the eyes, a problem which can result in dissatisfied customers returning glasses. Fuel3D’s disruptive technology enables rapid capture of high resolution 3D images to deliver solutions which are both cost-effective and easy-to-use. The company’s proposed eyewear solution combines pre-calibrated stereo cameras with photometric imaging to instantly capture and process a 270-degree 3D scan of a customer’s face to enable accurate measurements to be taken.

 Stuart Mead, CEO of Fuel3D, said: “The first year of the project will see Fuel3D develop a prototype system. The second year will move towards manufacturing the final product and also include work with partners in the eyewear sector to integrate with third-party systems, including those designed to support custom-fitting of eyewear or “virtual try-on” solutions.”

 To help ensure the success of the project, the company is building an advisory panel of industry experts from opticians to eyewear manufacturers. This panel will provide sector-specific knowledge which will drive the development of the system and define new standards in both technology and customer service.